Blogs, articles, advice and more from the minds behind Gersh Autism Academy
The countdown is on for the opening of Gersh Autism Academy Bronx, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our community! Join us for an exciting afternoon where families, community members, partners, and team members can experience everything our newest campus has to offer. 📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026⏰ 11:00…
What began as a temporary placement quickly grew into a meaningful career and true passion of mine. I was originally placed at Gersh Academy in 2017 after relocating from my hometown of Puerto Rico during the hurricane season. Over time, I came to deeply admire the mission of Gersh and…
At Gersh Autism Academy, we know that a strong school culture plays an important role in creating environments where students and staff feel connected, supported, and celebrated. We’re excited to introduce Ollie, our new campus ambassador. As Ollie begins visiting campuses across our network, his role goes beyond school spirit….
We are proud to announce the upcoming opening of Gersh Autism Academy Bronx, our newest K–12 school designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum, expanding our mission to provide exceptional, individualized education to more families across New York. Located in the heart of the Bronx at 452 College Avenue,…
There’s a new friendly face making the rounds at Gersh Autism Academy… and his name is Ollie! We’re so excited to officially introduce Ollie, our beloved mascot, who is beginning his journey across our campuses to meet the incredible students, staff, and leaders who make the Gersh community so special….
Sheri Simasek is the VP of Data & Compliance, where she oversees regulatory compliance, operational alignment, and data systems that support student services across the organization. Sheri started with Gersh in November of 2023 and quickly dove into building efficient processes, aligning teams around clear systems, and ensuring schools meet…
This year, our Everyday Heroes event in Florida brought together team members to celebrate the incredible individuals who make Gersh what it is. While hosted in Florida, this celebration honored heroes across all of our campuses, the teachers, therapists, administrators, and staff who show up every day with patience, compassion,…
With 27 years of experience in public education, Debra Hay brings a deep background in Special Education and Educational Leadership to her work. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, Debra has dedicated her career to supporting students with complex needs—teaching learners…
We’re proud to spotlight Nicole Fitch, a dedicated educational leader whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to students, families, and school communities. With more than 25 years of experience in education, Nicole has served in a wide range of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal,…
We celebrated one of our favorite traditions this month, the annual Thanksgiving Feast! Students helped serve lunch, and everyone — teachers, staff, and students alike — gathered around decorated tables to share a meal together. The day was filled with crafts, music, dancing, and the kind of joy that reminds…
We’re thrilled to celebrate Maureen Miller, Director of Educational Operations at Gersh Autism Academy! Maureen’s journey is a true Gersh story, one rooted in growth, dedication, and heart. She began her teaching career at Gersh in 2014 and has called it home ever since, growing from classroom teacher to Curriculum…
At Gersh Autism Academy and our Powered by Gersh schools, we are always seeking tools that engage our students while helping them grow, in mind, body, and confidence. This year, we’ve introduced Didim, an innovative, interactive movement system, to multiple campuses, including our AYM in Queens—a Powered by Gersh school—and…
As a parent of an autistic child, I can say that the care and dedication that teachers and staff give to their students is immeasurable. You can see it in the way my son looks forward to going to school every day, and in the growth and progress he has continuously shown throughout the years. Gersh really knows not only how to educate autistic children, but also acknowledge the personalities of each child, and embraces all facets of the student, showing and providing great care, patience, support and understanding for students and their families.
Every child needs only one person to believe in him. In Gersh, the entire team believes. They will find that one spark through positive reinforcement and this child will have confidence. My daughter entered Gersh when she was 10 years old. She did not know how to read. She now reads chapter books.
“Our daughter did not want to go school before Gersh, she was absent a lot. Within the first few months she developed a nice feeling of trust with the staff where she was very willing to go to school. They don’t reprimand or use a reward system they are all just warm and understanding which is what she needs and I think every child needs. Intellectually I see her flourishing because she is much less anxious so she’s able to concentrate better. We feel very fortunate to have found a nice safe, warm, inviting atmosphere for our daughter.”
“At Gersh we feel like we are among family, like we are at home. We know that our son is comfortable, it is a very nurturing place. Academically he is flourishing and socially he is much more outgoing; more comfortable in his own skin and his surroundings. Since coming to Gersh he is more verbal. He used to give us one word answers and now he tells us what’s going on.”
“The teachers are great, they are able to customize the lessons towards the students strengths. There’s nothing better than seeing the excitement in the air, the smiles, creativeness and teamwork. Gersh gives the gift that keeps giving, “ENDLESS ADVENTURES.”
“You guys rock! I can’t imagine my son attending any other school. Thank you for everything” – Jose R.